How You Learn

[karenlyn]

Each person out there learns a bit differently from every other person. Do you want to do an online degree because you're good at learning using only reading and writing, or does this format make learning more difficult?

[LyricB]

I actually prefer classroom learning, but it just isn't feasible for me right now because I have two small kiddos. It's easier for me to just stay up late at night and get my school work done rather than dumping them on my poor husband the second he gets home from work.

[karenlyn]

Lyric, I know what you mean. Online is simply the most feasible option for working adults and parents. That's why I'm doing it, too.

[LyricB]

Sometimes it almost feels like cheating to me, being able to do my classwork while wearing my pajamas. I've even been known to nurse my baby while typing up my classwork. Now that's flexibility!

[Kokotai]

I think that on-line classes are difficult if you are not personally motivated. I think I could do it but I wonder what kind of a challenge it would be with kids.

[karenlyn]

Kokotai- I think that also depends on what kind of a learner you are. I work in a school (not as a teacher) and the administration goes on and on about \"multiple intelligences\" -- how we all are smart in different ways, and therefore learn better in different ways. That's what inspired me to start this thread.

Multiple Intelligences. Do people out there think this is true?

[Kokotai]

I think that is right on. I have four children ages 23-5 and it is real apparent in each of them that they all learn on very different levels.

[FetznJtown]

I like online learning because honestly, I'm fairly intelligent, undisciplined, somewhat lazy and very impatient, pretty much ADD. I get so bored in b&m classes, online learning lets me do my work whenever I want to and on my own terms so to speak. I can read the entire book in the course of a week and wait until the very last minute to get things done, which is when I happen to work best. I have to admit, my husband (a school psychologist) is very adamant that my way will not work for anyone else.

[feline]

[quote:13d3eae2b1=\"karenlyn\"]
Multiple Intelligences. Do people out there think this is true?[/quote:13d3eae2b1]

I am a teacher and we have had lots of seminars on Multiple Intelligences, the different kinds of intelligences that people have. One might be a music genius, while others can be kinethetically inclined, others may be good in interpersonal or intrapersonal interactions, while some are good at logical explanations. These are just some of the intelligences that have been introduced by Dr. Howard Gardner, the founder of MI. :D

[mtatum4496]

For me, it boiled down to a simple matter of time management. Between work, community obligations and trying to be a halfway decent non-custodial father, I reached a point where I needed something more flexible time wise.

I started out taking evening classes at a local university. The time came when I had to make a decision - quit my job and find a night job so I could take the rest of the classes I needed, or find an online program that would accept my credits and let me finish. I opted for the latter.

Online was fine for me - I am fairly visual in the way I learn, so shifting from an actual classroom to a virtual learning situation was not a big leap for me.

[LilOne1989]

I did online for the convience. With three, then four kids and homeschooling my oldest ones the idea of leaving and going to an outside location just was not an option for me. I liked the idea that I didn't have a concrete schedule that I HAD to keep, like a class at 8am then another at 11am and then another at 4pm. With online I could check into my classes any time of day and not miss anything.

[mtatum4496]

[quote:39316b5b19=\"LilOne1989\"]I did online for the convience. With three, then four kids and homeschooling my oldest ones the idea of leaving and going to an outside location just was not an option for me. I liked the idea that I didn't have a concrete schedule that I HAD to keep, like a class at 8am then another at 11am and then another at 4pm. With online I could check into my classes any time of day and not miss anything.[/quote:39316b5b19]
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That is part of the brilliance of the whole thing. I remember how much I appreciated being able to handle my schoolwork even if my employer had sent me to a convention or on a round to see customers in anothe city. With my laptop and an internet connection at my hotel, I was good to go.

[kelkat]

[quote:f24b058b44=\"LyricB\"]Sometimes it almost feels like cheating to me, being able to do my classwork while wearing my pajamas. I've even been known to nurse my baby while typing up my classwork. Now that's flexibility![/quote:f24b058b44]

Trust me, you aren't cheating. I wore my pajamas to class more than once when I was in college. I don't know about the nursing bit in class, it might be a bit of distraction for the other students. I do get the typing and feeding NOW, though. Been there, done that. I'm even getting pretty good at the one handed typing.

[Sister]

I learn through reading. I can't focus on lectures, overheads send me into a coma, and so forth. Reading and online interaction work very well for me.

[palefrost]

I was tested on this as a child. I learn though sight not sound so online teachings work out great for me!

[mtatum4496]

[quote:b051b02a47=\"palefrost\"]I was tested on this as a child. I learn though sight not sound so online teachings work out great for me![/quote:b051b02a47]

That is true of a number of people. Many of us are more visual than audial or kinesthetic in the way we relate to the learning experience. I do think that is one factor that makes online learning a great option for people.

[Unregistered]

I've done both ways and I think that the only thing I miss about offline school was the being footloose and fancy free with no kids or real bills.

Oh, yeah, and the cafeteria. The food was so good at my school and I hate cooking.

[Starlily]

I have deliberately not researched alot on learning styles as I don't like the idea of labelling... nevertheless, it is apparent that there are different learning styles, and some work better than others for each individual...I notice one of my children needs to verbalize things in order to learn them... Personally, am more of a visual learner as I am a complete bookworm...Hoping this will be of assistance in attaining an online degree...

[lizakollman]

i do my best work when i can concentrate on things as i see fit. i can do whatever i want and do my school work at whatever time i want. it is very relaxing and rewarding!

[51 year old man]

I have no clue why I keep on insisting that I should that I should complete my BS at this point. I quit college when I was in my junior year and in my twenties. I guess it's a matter of principle - finish what you started. Just looking for a shoulder to cry on and someone to assure me that I'm not about to do something stupid.

I'm not counting on recouping the money I'll spend - around 25K with CTU - with only a few years left in my career. I'm already earning 85K as a Technical Manager for a telecommunications equipment manufacturer (I reached this level with a tech school education, perseverence, and a lot of luck). I don't count on my salary going much higher even if I add a BS to my credentials.

This thread seems to be filled with knowledgeable people. I'd like to hear some honest opinions to help me make a smart decision.

[OnlineSchoolExplorer]

I have deliberately not researched alot on learning styles as I don't like the idea of labelling... nevertheless, it is apparent that there are different learning styles, and some work better than others for each individual...I notice one of my children needs to verbalize things in order to learn them... Personally, am more of a visual learner as I am a complete bookworm...Hoping this will be of assistance in attaining an online degree...

Starlily, if you don't mind, which online school? Actually, It would be good to know where each member here 'goes' to school. I may be asking for too much, so just ignore this request if you find it rude.

[DRJ]

I have no clue why I keep on insisting that I should that I should complete my BS at this point. I quit college when I was in my junior year and in my twenties. I guess it's a matter of principle - finish what you started. Just looking for a shoulder to cry on and someone to assure me that I'm not about to do something stupid.

I'm not counting on recouping the money I'll spend - around 25K with CTU - with only a few years left in my career. I'm already earning 85K as a Technical Manager for a telecommunications equipment manufacturer (I reached this level with a tech school education, perseverence, and a lot of luck). I don't count on my salary going much higher even if I add a BS to my credentials.

This thread seems to be filled with knowledgeable people. I'd like to hear some honest opinions to help me make a smart decision.

If you read your post again you will find the answer in your own words."I keep on insisting that I should complete my BS at this point". I think that is the only reason you really need. You are not alone in your quest to continue your education and you are not alone in having reached a stage where you are doing this simply for yourself. We often get trapped into believing that we do things only for the money or the status. I am approaching the ripe old age of 60 and thinking about a doctorate. It will never give me an economic return but it will certainly push me to my limits. The smart decision, in my opinion, is to challenge yourself.

[51 year old man]

If you read your post again you will find the answer in your own words."I keep on insisting that I should complete my BS at this point". I think that is the only reason you really need. You are not alone in your quest to continue your education and you are not alone in having reached a stage where you are doing this simply for yourself. We often get trapped into believing that we do things only for the money or the status. I am approaching the ripe old age of 60 and thinking about a doctorate. It will never give me an economic return but it will certainly push me to my limits. The smart decision, in my opinion, is to challenge yourself.

Thanks for your comment, DRJ. It was so inspiring to hear your case, now even a Master's seems to be within my reach.

I apologize for not keeping with the thought of the thread. But this group seems to be a smart bunch, and it's hard not to discuss things other than 'How You Learn' with you. Other threads are filled with people's accusations against the programs they were in, but the justifications for their gripes are not convincing. In most cases, you feel they are just disgruntled because they probably cope with the intelectual demands of the courses. You can sense it in what they write, and how they write. I wouldn't trust the opinion of anyone who talks trash against online higher education, but can't express and organize their thought at the University level.

Just to share my quest for a reputable online degree provider, and some observation - it may help other browsers. I'll post this in its correct thread, but I thought I'd share my experience with you...

My list is down to the following schools:

- CTU Online*
- University of Maryland University College (UMUC Online)**
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - via eLearning***

*I'm leaning towards CTU. It's up with my boss, and eventually our HR for pre-approval. My company may cover up to 5K per year. You'll hear a lot of negative things about CTU's admissions process (just like Univ. of Phoenix and other heavily advertised schools), but I haven't seen a trusted source question the validity of a degree earned at CTU online. Actually, out of all the three schools, CTU was the most patient at explaining their admission, financial, articulation, and academic processes. At one point, I had a team of six people helping me out. I think what the academic society is complaining about CTU, UP, etc., is that they hire non-qualified admissions coordinators. Personally, I need someone to help me, not to give me a hard time.

**Reputable, based on a seemingly independent online degree review magazine I browsed at Barnes and Noble. UMUC was an not advertiser, but one article cited them as a good example. It's interesting that they never mentioned CTU or UP at all, inspite of them having full-page ads. UMUC also seems reputable based on web articles (there's a lot available). My application with them is in progress. It will take them about seven days to get back to me.

***Well accepted academically in my area, but admissions personnel are not as eager help. I spoke to someone in admission and the fellow couldn't wait to hang up on me. I had to email their director to get my point across. He then refered me to a manager... shades of red tape here. Their people seem to have that 'disgruntled government employee' persona in them. I wish their admissions people were as friendly and accommodating as CTU's. I'd apply for enrollment in a heartbeat.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for your comment, DRJ. It was so inspiring to hear your case, now even a Master's seems to be within my reach.

I apologize for not keeping with the thought of the thread. But this group seems to be a smart bunch, and it's hard not to discuss things other than 'How You Learn' with you. Other threads are filled with people's accusations against the programs they were in, but the justifications for their gripes are not convincing. In most cases, you feel they are just disgruntled because they probably cope with the intelectual demands of the courses. You can sense it in what they write, and how they write. I wouldn't trust the opinion of anyone who talks trash against online higher education, but can't express and organize their thought at the University level.

Just to share my quest for a reputable online degree provider, and some observation - it may help other browsers. I'll post this in its correct thread, but I thought I'd share my experience with you...

My list is down to the following schools:

- CTU Online*
- University of Maryland University College (UMUC Online)**
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - via eLearning***

*I'm leaning towards CTU. It's up with my boss, and eventually our HR for pre-approval. My company may cover up to 5K per year. You'll hear a lot of negative things about CTU's admissions process (just like Univ. of Phoenix and other heavily advertised schools), but I haven't seen a trusted source question the validity of a degree earned at CTU online. Actually, out of all the three schools, CTU was the most patient at explaining their admission, financial, articulation, and academic processes. At one point, I had a team of six people helping me out. I think what the academic society is complaining about CTU, UP, etc., is that they hire non-qualified admissions coordinators. Personally, I need someone to help me, not to give me a hard time.

**Reputable, based on a seemingly independent online degree review magazine I browsed at Barnes and Noble. UMUC was an not advertiser, but one article cited them as a good example. It's interesting that they never mentioned CTU or UP at all, inspite of them having full-page ads. UMUC also seems reputable based on web articles (there's a lot available). My application with them is in progress. It will take them about seven days to get back to me.

***Well accepted academically in my area, but admissions personnel are not as eager help. I spoke to someone in admission and the fellow couldn't wait to hang up on me. I had to email their director to get my point across. He then refered me to a manager... shades of red tape here. Their people seem to have that 'disgruntled government employee' persona in them. I wish their admissions people were as friendly and accommodating as CTU's. I'd apply for enrollment in a heartbeat.

I posted this, with typos addressed, to the thread - 'Could you help me to choose an online college Please'

[kelkat]

I think there comes a time when learning if for you and not for the degree, the job, or the prestige.

When you can get to that place, then it actually becomes a joy because you ARE doing it for yourself.

[felice206]

As long as you are motivated to do an online course I find them a LOT easier. I work from home, and have a child I'm homeschooling. I just don't have time, or the resources to take classes outside of the home right now. The last time I went to take a few courses, they were all self-paced anyway so I felt my time wasted on actually going to a physical building when I could have done the same on my own anyway :D

[Starlily]

Starlily, if you don't mind, which online school? Actually, It would be good to know where each member here 'goes' to school. I may be asking for too much, so just ignore this request if you find it rude.

I'm still deciding...lol...

[lizakollman]

I think it is very important that you pick a place to study where you can learn in your own way, but I also think it is important to try things tha tyou have never tried before - you never know!

[Unregistered]

w kow matian state is a good one what about fl also u of central u

[ninikins]

The most important thing IMO is that you feel comfortable with a college or place where you learn and that all the other bonuses offered suit your needs.

[cerumen]

I enjoyed online learning because I am a self-disciplined person. I enjoy working at my own pace and having the convenience of accessing coursework at the time of my choosing. It is also very handy to be able to print out notes versus handwrite them.